Head-positioning device for x-ray photography



Feb. 20, 1968 DASTA ET AL 3,369,787

HEADPOSITIONING DEVICE FOR X-RAY PHOTOGRAPHY Filed Dec. 15, 1965 r g Ir:1

[nae/Zion: (l dl zfiozzy 6. flash 25f fiwafdl. Curran United StatesPatent 3,369,787 HEAD-POSITIONING DEVICE FOR X-RAY PHOTOGRAPHY AnthonyG. Dasta and Edward L. Curran, both of 2716 N. Central Ave., Chicago,Ill. 60639 Filed Dec. 13, 1965, Ser. No. 513,371 1 Claim. (Cl. 248118)ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A bracket fitted with a back portion in thecassette support of an X-ray apparatus, the bracket projecting a frontalplate in forwardly-inclined direction for receiving the cassette. Abrace is secured between the back portion and the lower part of theplate.

Our invention relates to cassette supports for taking X-ray pictures ofthe human jaw, and comprises a back ing plate adapted to receive thecassette and fitted to the support. The plate projects at an angle forthe sidewise application of the jaw, whereby to separate the exposure ofthe teeth on one side of the jaw from that of the teeth on the otherside thereof.

Our object is to provide a device which may be mounted by simple slidingaction in the wall chest bracket of the X-ray equipment to present aninclined backing plate for the X-ray cassette to posit-ion the head ofthe patient at the required tilt for taking the picture as stated.

A better understanding of the invention may be gained by reference tothe accompanying drawing, in which FIG. 1 is a face view of a fragmentof the wall chest bracket, showing the novel head-positioning devicemounted thereon;

FIG. 2 is a view from the left-hand side of FIG. 1, showing the deviceequipped with the X-ray cassette and the patients head applied to thelatter;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the device; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view thereof as seen in FIG. 2.

Referring specifically to the drawing, denotes the uprights of the wallchest bracket as a pair of tubes; and 11 and 12 denote upper and towercross-heads of the bracket, with end blocks 11a and 12a slidab le on thetubes to desired positions where they remain stationary by friction orsuitable clamping means (not shown).

The cross-heads 11 and 12 are designed for supporting the plate 15 ofthe jawpositioning device, and are therefore adjusted in verticalspacing according to the height of such plate. At the rear the latterhas a top crown 15a and a bottom foot 15b. The cross-heads 1'1 and 12carry channel flanges 11b and 12b in which the plate crown 15a and foot15b fit as shown in FIG. 2 when the plate is inserted by lateralmovement into the flanges.

The plate 15 is of heavy plastic material, and has a vertical backsection 150 connecting the crown 15a and the foot 15b. In front, thecrown is projected with a short ledge 15d from which the plate 15extends at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the back section 150,the

plate terminating at the bottom with a short forward "ice flange He. TheX-ray cassette 18 is laid on the plate 15 as shown in FIG. 2, and issupported at the bottom by the plate flange 15a.

In order that the plate 15 may be positioned rigidly at all times, it isreinforced on the inside by a brace 20. The latter is of the samematerial as the plate but narrower, as seen in FIG. 3. The brace has aninclined flange 20a in front backing the plate 15, and a downflange 20bat the rear seating against the back sect-ion 15c. The downflange isattached to the latter by a pair of roundheaded rivets 22 of plasticmaterial; and the inclined flange is attached to the plate 15 by similarrivets 23 with round heads 23a on the rear side and flat heads 23b infront, as seen in FIG. 4.

When the device is mounted as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is positionedat the proper angle to receive the patients head tilted as shown in FIG.2. The jaws of the patient are now staggered or apart in verticalrelation, so that the rays from a projector at the right (not shown)will procure pictures of both jaws during a single exposure.

It will now be apparent that the novel head-positioning device is asimple means for procuring the desired X-ray picture with dispatch andcomfort to the patient, since it dispenses with the need for the patientto lie down, and a table and sand bags or other makeshift accessories toposition the patients head at the proper tilt. At the same time, thedevice is readily adapted to the conventional wall chest bracket bysimple lateral insertion, and without the need of attaching devices or.tools. Finally, the device is sturdy, handled in one piece, and of anature to be produced at low cost.

We claim:

1. A device for positioning the head of a person of erect posture fortaking an X-ray picture of the jaws from one side, comprising a plateadapted to receive an X-ray cassette on said side, and means supportingthe plate at an angle for the application of the persons head tiltedsidewise, said means including upper and lower channel elements for thewall chest bracket of conventional X-ray photographic equipment, aconstricted extension from the upper part of the plate adapted to seatin the upper channel element, a downward continuation of the extensionterminating in the lower channel element, a foot from the continuationadapted to seat in the lower channel element, and a brace between thelower portions of the plate and continuation.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS "1,163,945 1-2/ 19'15 Murdock297397 X 1,881 ,3 7rll 10/ 1 9 32 Gilbert 248449 2,136,109 ll/193 8Kress 248 2,783,880 3/1957 Kayt-on 21187 X 3,017,222 1/ 1962 Kinsman297397 2,919,873 1/1960 Tice 2 48-476 FOREIGN PATENTS 787,113 112/195 7Great Britain.

CHANCELLOR E. HARRIS, Primary Examiner.

